Here is how I have set my bars. ..Sounds like that Sean Yates way. I grip the bar right under the brake so that I have a tight, somewhat restricted feeling. I wrapped tape above the brake on the downward slope to such a degree that I have a little "bulge" for my palms to rest against so that I don't have to flex my wrist to the degree that I would have to if all weight had to be placed on the brakes themselves. Not elegant but I like it.
It feels the most athletic to me.